Review: Baapu - Slow but Authentic

Movie: Baapu
Rating:3/5

Cast: Brahmaji, Aamani, Balagam Sudhakar Reddy, Srinivas Avasarala, Dhanya Balakrishna, Mani Aegurla, and Others

Director: K Dayakar Reddy

Produced By: Comrade Film Factory

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Story:

The narrative of the film revolves around a farming family that encounters significant hardships, compelling them to seek a resolution to their financial burdens. In their desperation, they contemplate that the answer may lie in the demise of one of their own.

Performances:

Brahmaji gets a different character from his regular ones, and he does full justice to it. Aamani also delivers a convincing performance, while Balagam fame Sudhakar Reddy once again displays a compelling act. Srinivas Avasarala was fine in a short role, and Dhanya Balakrishna and Mani Aegurla were fine.

What worked for the film:

The concept of Baapu—A Father’s Story appears intriguing in theory, and the task of transforming it into a captivating film presents a significant challenge. This independent Telugu drama, crafted by Dayakar Reddy, is set in rural Telangana and aspires to present an emotional family narrative enriched with elements of dark humor. and features experienced actors such as Brahmaji, Aamani, Sudhakar Reddy, and Dhanya Balakrishna, who provide commendable performances. The film works every time when it touches on the black humor, and there are also some handfuls of poignant moments and dialogues, including the climax.

What did not work for the film:

Although the film stays true to its central conflict. It occasionally loses focus, failing to maintain the engaging factor. The main characters and their issues could have been explored much better. The reaction of Baapu goes completely missing when he learns a harsh truth. Also, the love track of Mani Aegurla does not sync with the narration. 

Baapu Review and Verdict:

With strong contributions from Brahmaji, Sudhakar Reddy, and Aamani, Baapu turns out to be a finely executed rural drama. The portrayal of rural Telangana feels real because of its setting, dialect, and slice-of-life elements. The film works when it incorporates black humor while addressing issues related to life, death, and the insanity which the characters face. Despite some dull notes in the writing and narration, it ultimately ends well.